China finds increase in wild panda numbers

According to a census by China's State Forestry Administration, the panda population has grown by 268 to a total of 1864 in a little over 10 years.

Giant pandas are increasing in the wild, say Chinese authorities. (AP Photo/Lilli Strauss)

Wild giant pandas in China are doing well.

According to a census by China's State Forestry Administration, the panda population has grown by 268 to a total of 1864 since the last survey ended in 2003.

Nearly three quarters of the pandas live in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

China began surveying its giant pandas in the 1970s. The latest census began in 2011 and took three years to complete.

The administration says the number of giant pandas in captivity grew by 211, more than double the previous survey figure.

The survey says economic development remains a threat to the preservation of the rare animal and its habitat.